NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, has spent the last 59 years tracking Santa Claus’ journey around the world using radar, jet fighters and special cameras.
First, the northern warning radar system covers nearly 50 installations across northern Canada and Alaska to closely monitor signs of when Santa leaves the North Pole in his flying-reindeer-powered sleigh, explains Air Force Master Sgt. Chuck Marsh, spokesman for the NORAD Tracks Santa program.
Next, the geosynchronous orbit satellite system begins tracking Santa’s route, 22,000 miles above earth, using infrared systems that detect heat to pick up the warmth generated by Rudolph the reindeer’s red nose.
Finally, Canadian NORAD CF-18 fighter pilots take off from Newfoundland and welcome Santa and his reindeer to North America, where American NORAD jet pilots escort him in F-15s, -16s or -22s.
You can also follow along on Santa’s journey via Facebook, Twitter, Google +, or by e-mailing noradtracksanta@outlook.com.
And for those of you who aren’t NORAD fans, Google also has a Santa Tracker set up to track his journey!
